Identity theft occurs when someone illegally uses another person’s name or personal details to access credit, secure loans, make purchases, or commit other fraudulent activities.

If you fall victim to identity theft, it’s important to update the passwords and login details of any affected accounts, alert your credit card providers, and file a report with the appropriate government agency. Handling these steps on your own can often feel overwhelming and time-consuming. That’s why, with your Avast Secure Identity subscription, our dedicated restoration specialists are here to guide you and help you recover control of your identity.

You can reduce the risk of identity theft by taking several precautions—such as creating strong passwords and PINs, being mindful of how much personal information you share online, and keeping an eye on your bank statements for any unusual activity. Tools like Avast Secure Identity add an extra layer of safety by offering features that detect scams, including phishing and email spoofing, while also monitoring your personal data.

To identify whether your personal information has been misused, it’s important to review your credit reports regularly, watch for unfamiliar transactions, and track your credit score for unexpected shifts. Services like Avast Secure Identity can help by scanning social media, the web, and even the dark web for potential data leaks. You can also run a hack check to find out if any of your passwords have been exposed online.

Several red flags can signal that your identity has been compromised. These may include unexplained bank transactions, inaccuracies on your credit report, debts or loans you never requested, unauthorized credit card charges, unexpected medical bills, or a sudden drop in your credit score without a clear reason.

Identity fraud takes place when someone uses your personal details without permission for fraudulent or criminal purposes. This could involve opening new accounts, making purchases, or carrying out illegal activities in your name. To reduce the risk, it’s important to practice everyday safety measures—such as browsing only trusted websites and avoiding sharing personal information with unknown or unverified sources. An identity protection service like Avast Secure Identity can further strengthen your defenses by quickly detecting possible threats. And if the worst happens, our specialists are ready to support you through the recovery process, with reimbursement benefits of up to $1 million* for financial losses caused by fraud.

Identity theft happens when someone gains access to your personal information without your awareness or consent. Identity fraud, on the other hand, refers to the crimes committed with that stolen data. In practice, it covers any deceptive use of your personal details for financial or personal benefit. Common examples include opening new accounts in your name, making purchases with your payment information, or even filing fraudulent tax returns.